A strong competitive spirit and work ethic should help the Coupeville High School girls basketball team challenge for a spot in the first division in the Cascade Conference this season, according to coach David King.

Coupeville was 6-16 last winter after winning only six games the previous two years combined and looks to post its first winning record since going 12-11 in 2009-10.

The Wolves lost six players through graduation but return five letter winners with plenty of experience: 5-5 senior wings Amanda Fabrizi and Breeanna Messner, 5-5 junior wing Madeline Strasburg, 5-8 junior post Hailey Hammer and 5-11 sophomore post Makana Stone.

A trio of juniors, King said, are the key newcomers: 5-7 wing/post Kacie Kiel, 5-9 wing/post Julia Myers and 5-8 post Wynter Thorne.

The future looks bright, King said, with six incoming freshman who “work hard and have good basketball instincts.”

King likes the makeup of his players: “They are willing to put in extra time and effort to compete and win. This was evident with the time put into summer open gym, camp, fall ball and open gyms before basketball season.

“We have speed throughout and athletic players. Each one is willing to put the team first.”

“Our basketball IQ has improved and we are making smarter decisions on the court,” he added.

Depth could be an issue, King said, noting the Wolves will have a short bench to start the season, not ideal for a tough schedule that begins with three games in five days.

“We have challenged some JV players to step up and show why they should be splitting time on JV and varsity.”

Another uncertainty is shooting, which the Wolves struggled with last season. It should be improved, King said, because of “the work this group has put in.”

Spreading the floor and having patience should help improve the offense, as well, according to King.

King expects his team to improve as the season progresses and to be consistent and competitive for “the full 32 minutes.”

“We are building on what we started last year, commitment and hard work,” King said. “Athletically we are improved and more skilled throughout.

“This team really has come together and is playing well on both ends of the court. Our communication is outstanding. This team will be a fun one to watch as the season progresses. I’m expecting good things all year.”

Those good things start with two home games: Cedar Park Christian at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and Meridian at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.